The Teguise Sunday Market is the largest street market in Lanzarote. It takes place every Sunday in the historic town and offers many local shops, food stalls, traditional music and dances. A visit is an experience you shouldn’t miss on the island. Read on and check out these tips for your next visit.
What is the Teguise Sunday Market?
Teguise is the former capital of the island. The streets of this traditional town are converted into pedestrian zones and host the most famous and largest market on the island of Lanzarote.
There are over 400 stalls with products ranging from clothing, souvenirs and handicrafts to agricultural goods and traditional gastronomy. It’s one of the largest markets in Europe, and thousands of locals and international visitors enjoy this experience.
You should visit this market because it’s a great opportunity to buy all kinds of items, including souvenirs and gifts to take home. Moreover, it’s the perfect place to try local dishes and drinks.
Teguise Market Opening Times
The Teguise Sunday Market takes place every Sunday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. If you want to avoid crowds and easily find a parking spot, it’s advisable to arrive early in the morning.
Throughout the day, you can enjoy performances from street artists, traditional dances and other cultural activities.
Where is the market located?
The Teguise Market takes place throughout the old town of Teguise. All streets are filled with stalls, creating a lively atmosphere and allowing visitors to experience local culture.
The distance from the town to the airport is 18.1 km, so you can reach it by car in about 19 minutes. If you prefer, book a Lanzarote transfer to take you directly to the market. Moreover, Teguise is in the heart of Lanzarote and is easily accessible from any part of the island.
How to Get to Teguise Sunday Market
There are several ways to get to the Teguise Sunday Market, depending on how you want to move around Lanzarote:
- By car: If you rent a car to explore the island at your own pace, it’s easy to reach Teguise Market, as this town is located in the center of Lanzarote. There are parking spaces, but these can be crowded, so it’s better to arrive early in the morning. The driving times depend on where you’re staying: from Playa Blanca it takes 45 minutes, from Puerto del Carmen 30 minutes, and from Arrecife and Costa Teguise about 20 minutes.
- By bus: Lanzarote has a good public bus service, called guaguas. Buses from every major city on the island go to Arrecife. You can check routes and times at arrecifebus.com. By bus, it takes a bit longer than by car.
- Excursions: There are Teguise Market tours with modern buses and a tour guide.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Teguise Sunday Market depends on what you want from the market experience:
- Advantages of early morning: The market opens around 9 am, so it’s beneficial to arrive early if you want to avoid crowds. You can browse the stalls peacefully, with more space and without the hustle and bustle. Additionally, parking is easier to find early in the morning.
- Midday visit: Between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm, the market is at its busiest. If you don’t mind crowds, you’ll experience the market in all its liveliness with buzzing energy. This is also the best time to see the music and dance performances. However, it can be overwhelming, and finding a parking spot can be difficult.
By 2:00 pm, the stalls start to close. This could be a good time to find bargains, as vendors may be more willing to negotiate.
What to Expect at the Market
The Teguise Sunday Market is a blend of sounds, smells and impressions.
There you can expect:
- Live music and performances: Street artists provide entertainment, playing Canarian music with local instruments.
- Family-friendly activities: Musicians and dancers entertain children, and there are often animals to see.
What to Buy at Teguise Market
The Teguise Market is extensive and offers a wide variety of local products that you can enjoy on-site or take home. Craftspeople take the opportunity to showcase their creations to visitors. This is a perfect place to find handmade items, from volcanic stone jewelry to paintings and woven goods.
Some unique items to look out for are aloe vera products, volcanic stone jewelry and Calado (traditional Canarian embroidery).
You can also buy handmade clothing, beachwear, souvenirs and accessories for every taste and budget.
And of course, local food and drink should not be overlooked. Try traditional Canarian dishes such as fresh cheeses, meat products, mojo sauces and fruits. There are also international food stalls and plenty of snacks and drinks.
Top Tips for a Successful Visit
What to Wear and Bring:
Wear comfortable and breathable clothing, as Lanzarote has almost sunny weather year-round. Also wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Don’t forget to use sun protection, as the market takes place outdoors. Use sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
Bargaining Tips:
At markets like this, it’s common to haggle, especially for souvenirs and clothing. Have fun with it, but always be respectful.
Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated during your visit. Although there are places at the market where you can buy drinks, it’s recommended to bring a reusable bottle. This way you can save your money for souvenirs and other local products.
Bring Cash
Cash is the best payment method for the products you want. While some larger stalls accept credit and debit cards, most vendors only accept cash. Check the currency in Lanzarote and bring enough euros.
Enjoy the Atmosphere
The Teguise Market is much more than just a shopping place. Immerse yourself in the local culture, taste Canarian cuisine and enjoy the music and street performances.
Safety and Security:
Lanzarote is generally a safe place, but it’s advisable to be vigilant about your belongings in crowded areas. Follow these safety tips:
- Keep your wallet in your front pocket or hold your bag facing forward.
- Avoid backpacks.
- Don’t count money in public.
- Keep your bags closed.
- Stay with your group and keep an eye on children. Arrange a meeting point in case anyone gets lost.
- Some stalls sell counterfeit goods, so be vigilant and don’t pay full price if you want to, haggle.
Food and Drink Options
As mentioned, the Teguise Sunday Market is great for trying local food, but you can also find international flavors. Try local dishes like Papas Arrugadas, Chorizo and Canarian cheese. For dessert, try Bienmesabe.
If you get tired from walking, there are many restaurants and cafés near the town.
Is there a Sunday Market in Costa Teguise?
No. Some might think that Costa Teguise and Teguise are the same town, but they’re not. Costa Teguise has its own market at Pueblo Marinero, which runs on Monday and Tuesday mornings, plus Wednesday evenings – also featuring local art, souvenirs, crafts, live music and food.
FAQs – Teguise Sunday Market
What time does Teguise Market open?
Teguise Market opens every Sunday at 9:00 am and runs until 2:00 pm.
Is entry free?
Yes, entry to the market is completely free.
How big is the market?
Teguise Market spans most of
Abdel Samouh is a tourism professional specialising in the Canary Islands, with a solid track record in visitor experience management on Lanzarote. His career has centred on promoting the island's landmark attractions and enhancing transfer and excursion services across this volcanic destination.
